Is it really Thanksgiving if you don’t wind up with leftovers? For many of us, that too much is just enough, because the actual best parts of the holiday are the meals that follow the original turkey feast. I’ll be honest and admit that I look forward to my Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich more than the holiday meal itself. But perhaps you’ve faced the remnants of that gorgeous, golden turkey centerpiece and debated the best way to store it, keeping safety (and flavor!) in mind. How long can you actually keep turkey in the fridge? Should some of the meat be frozen right away?
While you’re clearing the table and beginning to wash dishes, thinking about what you’re going to do with all that leftover turkey, here’s what you need to know.
When the last slice of Thanksgiving turkey has been devoured you’re often left with plenty of leftovers. But how long will that cooked turkey last in the fridge? Proper storage is key for enjoying those turkey leftovers safely.
Read on to learn how many days cooked turkey stays fresh refrigerated, signs of spoiled turkey, and the best ways to store leftovers.
How Long Does Cooked Turkey Last Refrigerated?
According to the USDA cooked turkey will last 3-4 days maximum when properly stored in the refrigerator.
Cooked turkey that has been refrigerated should be eaten or frozen within this 3-4 day timeframe. After that point, bacteria growth increases rapidly, making the turkey unsafe to eat.
To maximize freshness, aim to eat refrigerated leftover turkey within 3 days. But up to 4 days is still considered safe if the turkey has been kept at 40°F or colder consistently.
Proper Refrigeration Guidelines
To help your cooked turkey leftovers last as long as possible, follow these refrigeration guidelines:
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Refrigerate or freeze turkey within 2 hours of cooking. Do not leave it out at room temperature.
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Store turkey in shallow, covered containers to allow rapid cooling.
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Turkey should reach 40°F within 2 hours of refrigerating. Check with a food thermometer.
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Place leftovers on lower shelves where the fridge temp is coldest.
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Do not overcrowd the refrigerator, as this reduces air circulation.
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Maintain your refrigerator at 40°F or below. Use an appliance thermometer to monitor.
Following the 2 hour rule, using proper containers, monitoring temps, and not overpacking the fridge will all help keep your turkey safe for consumption for 3-4 days.
How to Tell if Cooked Turkey is Bad
After 3-4 days in the fridge, cooked turkey can become unsafe to eat even if refrigerated properly. Here are signs that your leftover turkey has gone bad:
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Slimy or slick texture or appearance
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Graying meat that has turned from pink or white
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Bad, sour, or offensive odors
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Mold growth anywhere on the turkey
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Dry, hard turkey meat
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Ropy strands or slime on the surface
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Discoloration of meat or bones
If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the turkey rather than risk foodborne illness. When in doubt, throw it out.
Freezing Cooked Turkey
For longer term storage, freeze your leftover turkey. According to the USDA, frozen cooked turkey will maintain quality and optimal flavor for 3-4 months.
Although safe beyond that timeframe, frozen turkey can suffer freezer burn, dryness, and texture changes if kept frozen for over 4 months.
To freeze turkey:
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Allow cooked turkey to cool completely, about 2 hours.
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Slice turkey from the bones. Divide into portions in freezer bags or airtight containers leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
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Remove as much air from bags as possible before sealing.
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Label bags with contents and date.
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Freeze immediately, leaving space between containers for air circulation.
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Once solidly frozen, packages can be placed closer together.
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Consume within 3-4 months for best quality.
Thawing Frozen Turkey Safely
Never thaw turkey leftovers on the counter or at room temperature. Bacteria multiply rapidly above 40°F.
Instead, use these methods to safely thaw frozen turkey:
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In the refrigerator: For a large turkey, allow 24 hours per 5 pounds. Place on lower shelves.
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In cold water: Submerge sealed turkey in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes per pound.
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In the microwave: Follow microwave-safe thawing instructions, cooking turkey immediately after thawing.
Check the internal temperature in several spots with a food thermometer to ensure thawed turkey reaches 165°F before consuming.
Enjoying Leftover Turkey
Beyond soups, sandwiches, and casseroles, get creative with leftover cooked turkey. Try these flavorful options:
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Stir fry with vegetables and teriyaki
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Tacos or enchiladas with salsa
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Pot pies or empanadas
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Turkey salad with cranberries and nuts
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Quesadillas or sliders
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Breakfast hash or omelette filling
With proper refrigeration and freezing, you can safely enjoy cooked turkey for up to 3-4 months after the big feast. Just follow safety guidelines, label packages, and check for signs of spoilage before eating.
Safely Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing and reheating go hand in hand. Follow these tips:
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Store turkey in disposable containers or bags rather than dishes to avoid extra washing.
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Never thaw or reheat turkey on the counter or at room temperature. Use the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave.
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Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. Bring gravies and soups to a boil before serving.
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Discard any turkey that did not reach 165°F on reheating, or was left out for over 2 hours. Do not taste test questionable food.
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When reheating, turkey should reach 165°F within 2 hours. Microwave in short intervals, stirring and checking temps.
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Do not reheat turkey more than once. Prepare only what will be immediately consumed to avoid illness.
Following proper storage, thawing, and reheating steps will help you get the most out of your Thanksgiving turkey while reducing the risk of foodborne bacteria.
Make Leftovers Last
Don’t let leftover turkey go to waste. With proper refrigeration and freezing, you can safely enjoy cooked turkey for up to 3-4 months after the holiday feast. Be alert to signs of spoilage, follow safe handling tips, and get creative with leftovers! Your taste buds and wallet will thank you.
How long does turkey last in the fridge?
With your leftovers sitting in front of you, the first step in smart turkey storage is to think about what you’re going to do with them. Do you have a leftover turkey recipe that you’re already planning to try for Friday dinner? Or would you like to keep that delicious turkey in reserve for sometime down the road? Even though you may be exhausted from a day or two of cooking, entertaining and feasting, it’s still best to deal with your turkey in one way or another as soon as possible.
From a food safety perspective, it’s important to minimize the time your turkey spends in the “Danger Zone,” or between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The USDA notes that food has a limit of two hours at room temperature before bacteria growth becomes an issue.
Asking the experts how long cooked turkey keeps in the fridge yields a range of answers. LG’s resident culinary expert Brian Karam recommends capping it at one to two days, but also suggests that “time can be maximized by keeping larger pieces whole and not making them smaller before refrigerating, [as] smaller pieces are more susceptible to air exposure and could hasten spoilage in refrigerator.” Aly Forster of Diestel Family Ranch says “you will want to consume within three to four days.” The USDA’s guidelines state that “Thanksgiving leftovers are safe to eat up to four days in the refrigerator.” At the furthest end of the spectrum, Patrick L. Guzzle, vice president of food science at the National Restaurant Association says that “seven days is the maximum time recommended for cooked foods to be stored in the refrigerator.”
The wide variation in answers largely comes down to the difference between food safety and food quality. Guzzle points out that “Food safety is primarily concerned with harmful microbiological organisms, [and] may veer from what an average consumer might consider for quality (i.e., taste, texture, aroma, etc.)” Fortunately, Forster adds, “We like to say ‘poultry isn’t shy’—one whiff easily lets you know if that meat is still wholesome!” Ultimately, when using leftovers, Forster concludes, you’ll need to use your best judgment to determine how long you feel comfortable within this range. Be sure, she notes, to “inspect the turkey for any signs of spoilage.” Or as I like to say, “When in doubt, throw it out.”
If you’ve only got enough turkey left for a few sandwiches and a batch of turkey jook, keeping your leftover meat in the fridge will be enough. But if you have enough for a couple more full feasts, then you’ll want to think about freezing that turkey for the future.
We’ve still got half a bird!
You’re not alone. Whether you’re buying a frozen Butterball turkey, a heritage bird from your local butcher shop, or a smaller turkey breast, leftovers are almost a given. According to a 2011 USDA study, around 35% of turkey is wasted each year, so understanding how to best store your leftovers goes a long way to reducing the amount of turkey that ends up in landfills and compost heaps. That statistic feels even larger when you learn that the National Turkey Federation reports that 88% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving, and Butterball’s senior brand manager Chad McFadden notes that 79% of consumers surveyed for a 2023 report planned to buy a whole bird. McFadden also says that the most popular Thanksgiving turkey option weighs between 16 and 20 pounds, and the average guest count for the holiday is nine people, with a suggested estimate of 1 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per person. After we do some quick turkey math, this suggests that, generally, households have somewhere between 2.5 and 11 pounds of turkey and turkey bones left after the Thursday Thanksgiving feast. That’s a lot of sandwiches.
How long is leftover turkey good for in the fridge?
FAQ
Can I eat cooked turkey after 5 days?
Is turkey safe to eat after 7 days?
How long can a turkey be in the fridge and still be good?
Is it OK to eat turkey that’s been in the fridge for 2 weeks?
How long does a cooked turkey last in the fridge?
When stored in the refrigerator, turkey does not last as long. Snyder points to the USDA FoodKeeper app for best guidance: The tool notes that refrigerated, cooked turkey should be eaten within 4 days. Eat frozen turkey leftovers within 6 months for premier quality.
How long does leftover Turkey last in the freezer?
The general consensus is that most food can safely be kept in the freezer indefinitely, but the USDA recommends consuming most frozen foods within two to six months for the best quality, depending on what you’re freezing.
Should Turkey meat be refrigerated?
“Ideally, the meat should be taken off the carcass and transferred into smaller containers for the fridge (this is because large pieces of turkey will take longer to cool down, increasing the risk of bacterial growth),” advises Jane Cook, founder of food and sustainability blog, Hungry City Hippy.
Can you eat cold cooked turkey from the fridge?
You can safely reheat refrigerated cooked turkey in the oven or microwave until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to eliminate any potential bacteria. Q4: Is it safe to eat cold cooked turkey straight from the fridge?